InfoSearched
Published -
- July 18, 2021
- 11:44 am
Record-breaking floods have killed at least 150 people in western Europe.
Most of the deaths are in Germany’s west – where the disaster area stretches between the towns of Heinsberg, Erftstadt and Ahrweiler, near the border with the Netherlands and Belgium. More than 130 people have been confirmed dead and more than a thousand are still missing. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has promised support for victims’ families, and to the damaged towns.
In Belgium, at least 20 people have died in the flooding. The government has declared Tuesday a national day of mourning.
The towns of Liège in Belgium and Venlo in the Netherlands have been hit hard. In Venlo 10,000 people were told to evacuate, as well as 200 patients from a hospital. In Liege, the swollen Meuse river has burst.
What impact has the flooding had on transport and infrastructure in affected areas?
Flooding in Europe Kills at least 150 with Hundreds still Missing
In recent days, Europe has been hit by some of the worst flooding in decades. Heavy rainfall has caused rivers to overflow, leading to widespread damage to infrastructure and property, and tragically, loss of life.
According to reports, over 150 people have lost their lives as a result of the flooding, with hundreds of others still missing. The areas most affected include Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, with other parts of Europe also experiencing severe flooding.
In Belgium, at least 27 people have been confirmed dead, while in Germany the death toll has exceeded 100. Pictures and videos posted online show entire villages and towns submerged underwater, and stranded families being rescued by boat and helicopter.
The situation has prompted urgent calls for help, with many communities left without power or access to essentials such as food and water. In response, emergency services have been working tirelessly to provide aid to those in need, and the European Union has activated the Civil Protection Mechanism to channel assistance to affected countries.
The flooding has had a significant impact on transport and infrastructure, with roads, railways, and bridges being destroyed or damaged. Access to affected areas has been difficult, hampering rescue and recovery efforts.
Experts have warned that the flooding is the consequence of climate change, with rising temperatures leading to extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall. The need for action to mitigate the effects of climate change has never been clearer.
The flooding crisis in Europe serves as a wake-up call to governments and policymakers around the world. There is an urgent need for investment in climate adaptation measures, including improved infrastructure and flood protection.
As communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the flooding, it is important that governments and other stakeholders work together to provide the support and resources needed to help those affected. It is also vital that we take concrete steps to mitigate the effects of climate change in order to prevent such disasters from happening in the future.
